All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #771 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
I don't earn much money, but I do love my __________.
excursion
entourage
vocation
fodder
strait
vocation
This sentence talks about earning money so you know the noun you are looking for probably means job. The correct answer is therefore "vocation," which means job, occupation. Additionally, an "entourage" is a group of people moving about together; an "excursion" is a short, relaxed trip; a "strait" is a narrow passage of water between two bodies of land; "fodder" is raw, useless material.
Example Question #772 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
They called her a __________ for refusing to accompany them to the opera.
rift
ditty
philistine
felon
jaunt
philistine
Which of these is an insult that people might use to describe someone they view as uncultured? The correct answer is a "philistine," which means someone who is unappreciative or ignorant of the arts. Additionally, a "ditty" is a short song; a "felon" is a criminal; a "rift" is a disagreement, a fracture, a break; a "jaunt" is a brief, relaxed journey, an excursion.
Example Question #773 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ appeared before the children and gave them all a fright.
treatise
truce
specter
banter
summit
specter
Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer is a noun that might cause children to be scared. The correct answer is therefore "specter," which means ghost. Additionally, "banter" is playful teasing; the "summit" is the top of something; a "treatise" is a formal written declaration of an idea; a "truce" is a peace, a temporary break in fighting.
Example Question #774 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He did not want to part with the priceless __________.
atrocity
guardian
truce
hospice
commodity
commodity
Based on the context you know that the correct answer must be a noun that means something of value. The correct answer is a "commodity." Additionally, a "guardian" is a protector; a "hospice" is a home where elderly or sick people go to be cared for; an "atrocity" is a terrible act committed; a "truce" is a peace, a temporary pause in conflict.
Example Question #775 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He collected the __________ that was leftover after the water had been removed.
pauper
residue
temerity
solemnity
deadlock
residue
Something that is left over after something else has been removed is known as the "residue." Additionally, "deadlock" means a stalemate, a situation in which neither side can make progress; a "pauper" is a poor person, a beggar; "temerity" is nerve, audacity, cheek; "solemnity" is the quality of being serious and refined.
Example Question #776 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She gave some __________ of being calm, but actually felt terrified.
banter
aberration
contemplation
philistine
semblance
semblance
If the subject was actually very scared then she would have to give the appearance of, act like she was calm. The correct answer is therefore "semblance," which means having the outward appearance of something that is contrary to how one actually feels or usually looks, resembling, likeness. Additionally, "contemplation" is deep thought about something; an "aberration" is something outside of the norm, something bizarre; "banter" is playful teasing and joking; a "philistine" is a person unfamiliar with or hostile towards culture.
Example Question #777 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The boxer's __________ failed to deceive his opponent.
feint
solitude
jaunt
objection
flux
feint
Based on the context of this sentence, which describes a deceptive move made by a boxer, you know that the correct answer is a noun that describes a deceptive attack designed to distract. The correct answer is therefore "feint." Additionally, a "jaunt" is a relaxed, casual trip; "flux" is a state of constant change; an "objection" is an argument, a problem with a plan; "solitude" is the state of being alone.
Example Question #778 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The family went on a(n) __________ to the countryside.
ferment
debacle
conundrum
edifice
excursion
excursion
The context of this sentence seems to be describing a leisurely trip taken by a family. So, the correct answer is an "excursion." Additionally, a "debacle" is an embarrassing poorly managed situation; an "edifice" is a building or one side of a building; "ferment" is a state of passionate enthusiasm and excitement; a "conundrum" is a problem, a situation.
Example Question #779 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She offered a(n) __________ in support of his testimony.
verge
perjury
candor
affirmation
ferocity
affirmation
Based on the context of this sentence you know that you are looking for a noun that means a statement providing support for or declaring something to be true. The correct answer is an "affirmation." To "affirm" means to announce is true, to provide support for. Additionally, the "verge" is the edge; "perjury" is the act of lying under oath; "candor" is honesty, frankness; "ferocity" is fierceness.
Example Question #780 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ spread quickly through the small village and claimed many lives.
mettle
conundrum
rancor
pestilence
impasse
pestilence
Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a noun that relates to something that spreads and kills people, like a disease. The correct answer is therefore "pestilence." Additionally, a "conundrum" is a problem; an "impasse" is a deadlock, some obstacle that cannot be overcome; "mettle" is courage; "rancor" is bitter resentfulness, spite.